Ergonomic arrangement for mobile computing device

ABSTRACT

A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a handle portion having a longitudinal axis. A trigger switch is positioned on the handle portion and configured to activate a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed. A top portion accommodates a display device and a data acquisition device. A planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The data acquisition device is disposed on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/741,163 filed Jul. 13, 2012, entitled, “MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE INCLUDING AN ERGONOMIC HANDLE,” the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to mobile computing devices. Various components of the mobile device are oriented according to relative angles to improve data acquisition throughput and ergonomics of the device.

BACKGROUND

A conventional mobile device can be configured with a data acquisition device (DAD) to activate a data capture function, such as a scanning function. For example, the DAD can include a barcode scanner and the data capture function can include barcode scanning. In another example, the DAD can include an imager or a camera and the data capture function can include capturing an image.

A conventional mobile device may have a “gun” style handle which can allow a user to naturally aim the conventional device during a data capture session. Generally the handle of the conventional device is located on a back surface of the device that is opposite to the display surface of the device, such that the long axis of the handle is oriented substantially perpendicularly to a planar surface of the display.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in a mobile device. The mobile device includes a housing having a handle portion with a longitudinal axis. The handle portion is configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand. A trigger switch is positioned on the handle portion and configured to activate a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed. A top portion of the housing is coupled to the handle portion for accommodating a display device and a data acquisition device. A planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The data acquisition device is disposed on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

In one embodiment, the first angle is approximately ten degrees. In one embodiment, the second angle is approximately one-hundred and twelve degrees. The data acquisition device can be an imaging device. The display can display images from the imaging device. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device is a laser scanning device. The data acquisition device can be a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module.

In one embodiment, a camera is positioned adjacent to the data acquisition device such that a field of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the field of view of the data acquisition device. In one embodiment, the trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A battery can be positioned in a recess in the handle portion.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in a mobile device. The mobile device includes a housing having a handle portion with a longitudinal axis. The handle portion is configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand. A trigger switch is positioned on the handle portion for activating a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed. The trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A display device is disposed at least partially within the housing such that a planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The display device is viewable to the user when the fingers grip the handle portion of the device. A data acquisition device is located on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The data acquisition device is configured to capture data related to an object, such as product information from the object positioned in the field of view of the data capture device when the trigger switch is depressed. For example, the data can include dimensions, contents, expiration dates, addresses, or any other data related to the object.

In one embodiment, the first angle is approximately ten degrees. The second angle can be approximately one-hundred and twelve degrees. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device includes an imaging device. The display can be configured to display images from the imaging device. The data acquisition device can include a laser scanning device. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device includes a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module.

In one embodiment, a camera is positioned adjacent to the data acquisition device such that a field of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the field of view of the data acquisition device. In one embodiment, the trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in a mobile device. The mobile device includes a housing having a handle portion with a longitudinal axis. The handle portion is configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand. A trigger switch is positioned on the handle portion for activating a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed. The trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A display device is disposed at least partially within the housing such that a planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The display device is viewable to the user when the fingers grip the handle portion of the device. An imaging device is coupled to the housing and located on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the imaging device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The imaging device is configured to capture data related to an object, such as product information from the object positioned in the field of view of the data capture device when the trigger switch is depressed. A camera is coupled to the housing and located adjacent to the imaging device such that a field of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the field of view of the imaging device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments. In addition, the description and drawings do not necessarily require the order illustrated. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. Apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.

The above and further advantages of this invention may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals indicate like structural elements and features in various figures. Skilled artisans will appreciate that reference designators shown herein indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device 10 while discussing Figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than Figure A.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of components of a mobile computing device according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the mobile computing device of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a mobile computing device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a user utilizing a mobile computing device according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. For the purposes of conciseness, many conventional techniques and principles related to the operation of data acquisition devices, need not, and are not, described in detail herein.

Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.

The following description may refer to elements or nodes or features being “connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/node/feature is directly joined to (or directly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Likewise, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example, instance, or illustration” rather than “model,” or “deserving imitation.”

Technologies and concepts discussed herein relate to mobile devices. According to one embodiment, a mobile device includes a handle portion having a longitudinal axis. The handle portion is configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand. A trigger switch is positioned on the handle portion and configured to activate a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed. A housing portion is coupled to the handle portion for accommodating a display device and a data acquisition device. A planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, and the acquisition device being disposed on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

The data acquisition device is positioned so as to capture data, such as product information, from an object located on an opposite side of the display. For example, the product information can be an item number, dimension, serial number, or any information related to the object. The data acquisition device can generate an electrical signal representative of the data acquired from the object. For example, the data acquisition device can capture a barcode symbol printed on the object. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device can capture radio-frequency identification (RFID) information captured from an RFID tag associated with the object.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the components of a mobile device 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile device 100 includes a data acquisition device 102 supported by a top portion 103 of the housing 104. The housing 104 can include a handle portion 106. The data acquisition device 102 can include an imaging device, a laser scanning device, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or a combination of devices. In practice, any suitable data acquisition device 102 can be used. In one embodiment, an optional light source (not shown) can be supported by the housing 104. The light source can illuminate a target for data acquisition.

When the data acquisition device 102 includes an imager, the imager can be any component configured to capture image data. For example, the imager can include any type of image sensor or sensors. The imager can capture an image in a field of view (FoV) of the imager. In one embodiment, the image captured in the FoV of the imager can be displayed on a display device 108.

In one embodiment, the mobile device 100 can include a camera 110 that captures images located in a field of view (FoV) of the camera 110. In one embodiment, the camera 110 is a component that is separate from the data acquisition device 102. Alternatively, the camera 110 can be integrated with the data acquisition device 102.

The mobile device 100 can also include a processor 112, a memory 114, a trigger switch 116, a battery 118, a transceiver 120, a control switch 122, and other components 124, such as a connector, an antenna, a microphone, a loudspeaker, a volume control, a proximity sensor, a motion sensor, and/or additional switches, for example.

The display 108 can be any component configured to display data to a user. The display 108 can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) at least partially disposed within the housing 104 of the mobile device 100. The display 108 can include touch screen capability. The display 108 can display a graphical user interface (GUI) (not shown). The GUI can be programmed to activate different functions of the mobile device 100. For example, the processor 112 can generate the GUI on the display 108 to provide icons corresponding to certain functionality of the mobile device 100.

The trigger switch 116 can activate different functions of the mobile device 100. For example, the trigger switch 116 can activate the data acquisition device 102 of the mobile device 100 in a handheld mode of operation. In one embodiment, the trigger switch 116 can be a momentary switch. Alternatively, the trigger switch 116 can be a “toggle” switch for continuous “on” or “off” operation of the mobile device 100. The trigger switch 116 can be a bifurcated switch (not shown) for controlling two or more functions of the mobile device 100. In one example, the bifurcated switch can have a top switch that activates a first function and a bottom switch that activates a second function of the mobile device 100.

The processor 112 can provide conventional functionalities for the mobile device 100. In a specific example according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and as will be described in further detail below, the mobile device 100 can include a plurality of software applications that are executed on the processor 112 such as a software application related to capturing and processing images, documents and video. The memory 114 can also provide conventional functionalities for the mobile device 100. For example, the memory 114 can store data and software applications related to operations performed by the processor 112.

In one embodiment, the mobile device 100 can include a microphone (not shown) that is coupled to the processor 112 and used as an input device to control functions of the mobile device 100. For example, the processor 112 can perform speech recognition on audio data received from the microphone. In one embodiment, the user commands the mobile device 100 to activate the data acquisition device 102 by speaking into the microphone. A loudspeaker (not shown) can provide audio signals to a user. For example, the loudspeaker can emit an audio signal indicating that data was successfully acquired. In one embodiment, the mobile device 100 can include an audio jack (not shown) that couples to an audio connector of a headset. The audio signal can be transmitted to the headset through the audio jack.

The transceiver 120 can provide the mobile device 100 with a method of exchanging data with a communications network and/or other devices. For example, the transceiver 120 can be a Bluetooth transceiver that wirelessly transmits audio signals to a Bluetooth-enabled headset. The transceiver 120 can include a wireless local area network (WLAN) radio for communicating with a WLAN network.

The battery 118 can be a rechargeable battery. The mobile device 100 can include a charging connector 126 that is accessible to a corresponding connector on one end of a charging cable. Alternatively, the corresponding connector can be located in a charging cradle (not shown). In practice, the charging connector 126 of the mobile device 100 can be a universal serial bus (USB) connector that conveys data as well as electrical current.

In one embodiment, the battery 118, the trigger switch 116, the charging connector 126, and an optional sensor 128 can be disposed at least partially within the handle portion 106 of the housing 104. The optional sensor 128 can be a light sensor that can detect when a hand grips the handle portion 106.

As previously described, the mobile device 100 can include additional components 124 conventionally found in electronic devices, such as a control switches, charging circuitry and one or more antennas, for example.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a mobile device 200 according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile device 200 includes a housing 202 having a top portion 203 for supporting a display 204. The display 204 can be a touch screen display. The housing 202 includes a handle 206 in the shape of a pistol grip. The handle 206 can have a longitudinal axis 208. The handle 206 is configured to be held in a hand of a user. The handle 206 can be supported by a holster (not shown) to enable hands-free operation. The holster can be attached to a belt, a lanyard, a strap, or an article of clothing, such as a vest of a user.

A trigger switch 210 is located on the handle 206 of the mobile device 200. The trigger switch 210 is positioned on the handle 206 such that the trigger switch 210 is accessible to an index finger of a hand of a user when the handle 206 is held in the hand of the user in a hand-held mode of operation.

In one embodiment, the trigger switch 210 can be a momentary switch. Alternatively, the trigger switch 210 can be a “toggle” switch for continuous “on” or “off” operation. In one embodiment, the trigger switch 210 actuates at least one function of the mobile device 200. For example, the trigger switch 210 can activate a data capture function of the mobile device 200.

As previously described, the trigger switch 210 can be a bifurcated switch (not shown) for controlling two or more functions of the mobile device 200. In one example, a bifurcated switch can have a top switch that activates a first function of the mobile device 200 and a bottom switch that activates a second function of the mobile device 200. In practice, the trigger switch 210 can use any suitable switch.

The display 204 can be positioned such that a planar surface 212 of the display 204 is oriented between about one degree and approximately thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 208 of the handle portion 206. In one exemplary embodiment, the display 204 is oriented such that the planar surface 212 is at a first angle 214 of about ten degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 208 of the handle portion 206. In one embodiment, the display 204 can display one or more icons (not shown) that correspond to various applications or functions executable on the mobile device 200.

The mobile device 200 also includes a data acquisition device 220 positioned on an opposite side of the display 204 so as to capture data, such as product information, from an object or target located in front of a field of view of the data acquisition device 220. The data acquisition device 220 can include an imaging device, a laser scanning device, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or a combination of devices. When the data acquisition device 220 includes an imager, the imager can be any component configured to capture image data. For example, the imager can include any type of image sensor or sensors.

In one embodiment, the mobile device 200 can include a camera 222 that captures images located in a field of view (FoV) of the camera 222. In one embodiment, the camera 222 is a component that is separate from the data acquisition device 220. In one embodiment, the field of view of the camera 222 at least partially overlaps the field of view of the data acquisition device 220. In one example, the camera 222 can be integrated with the data acquisition device 220.

The field of view of the data acquisition device 220 can include a central axis. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device 220 can be oriented such that the central axis 224 of the data acquisition device 220 is oriented between about ninety degrees and about one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 208 of the handle portion 206. In one exemplary embodiment, the data acquisition device 220 is oriented such that the central axis 224 of the data acquisition device 220 is at a second angle 226 of about one-hundred and twelve degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 208 of the handle portion 206.

The mobile device 200 can also include a rotary switch 228 for controlling an audio function of the mobile device 200. For example, the rotary switch 228 can control a volume level of a loudspeaker or a gain level of a microphone of the mobile device 200. In one embodiment, the rotary switch 228 controls a volume level of a headset coupled to the mobile device 200 through an audio jack or a Bluetooth® connection.

The mobile device 200 can also include an optional proximity sensor 230. The proximity sensor 230 can detect when an object is positioned proximate to the mobile device 200. A processor of the mobile device 200 can activate the data acquisition device 220 in response to the detection of the object by the proximity sensor 230. The mobile device 200 can also include a motion sensor (not shown). The motion sensor can determine when the mobile device 200 is in a stationary or moving state.

In one embodiment, the mobile device 200 can be fabricated by forming the housing 202 having the handle 206 from a single piece of material. Alternatively, the housing 202 can be formed from several pieces of material, such as a front section and a back section. The display 204 can be coupled to the housing 202 such that it is viewable by a user of the mobile device 200 when the handle 206 is held in a hand of a user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a mobile computing device 300 according to one embodiment of the invention. The device 300 includes a housing 302 having a top portion 304 and a handle portion 306. In one embodiment, the handle portion 306 is disposed below the top portion 304 of the housing 302. The handle portion 306 includes a longitudinal axis 308.

The mobile computing device 300 also includes a display device 310 disposed at least partially within the top portion 304 of the housing 302. The display device 310 can be positioned such that the display device 310 is viewable to a user holding the mobile computing device 300.

The display device 310 is positioned in the top portion 304 of the housing 302 such that a planar surface 314 of the display device 310 is oriented at a first angle 316 with respect to the longitudinal axis 308 of the handle portion 306. The exemplary range of the first angle 316 is from about one degree to about thirty degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the first angle 316 is about ten degrees.

The top portion 304 also includes a data acquisition device 312. The data acquisition device 312 can include a laser-based scanning device, an imaging device, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device, or any other suitable data acquisition device. The data acquisition device 312 can also include a combination of devices, such as a camera, an imaging device, and an RFID reader. A field of view of each of the data acquisition devices includes a central axis 318. In one embodiment, the central axis of each data acquisition device is parallel to the central axes of the other data acquisition devices included in a combination of data acquisition devices.

In one embodiment, a camera 320 is positioned adjacent to the data acquisition device 312. The camera 320 can be positioned such that a field of view of the camera 320 at least partially overlaps a field of view of the data acquisition device 312.

The data acquisition device 312 captures an image, or projects a beam, such as a laser beam, towards a target. The beam can be either a one-dimensional beam, as with a laser scanner, or a multi-dimensional beam. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device 312 transmits a radio signal to capture data from an RFID tag.

The central axis 318 of the field of view of the data acquisition device 312 is oriented at a second angle 322 with respect to the longitudinal axis 308 of the handle portion 306. The exemplary range of the second angle 322 is from about ninety degrees to about one-hundred and thirty-five degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the second angle 322 is about one-hundred and twelve degrees.

In one embodiment, a third angle 324 between the planar surface 314 of the display device 310 and the central axis 318 corresponding to the data acquisition device 312 is between about thirty degrees and eight-five degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the third angle 324 is about fifty-eight degrees.

In one embodiment, a fourth angle 326 between a viewing angle 328 of a user and the central axis 318 of the data acquisition device 312 is between about ten degrees and fifty-five degrees. In one exemplary embodiment, the fourth angle 326 is about thirty-two degrees.

The preferable ranges and angles have been determined by thorough ergonomic testing and field studies directed towards improving data acquisition throughput and ergonomics of the mobile computing device 300.

The mobile computing device 300 can include a motherboard 330. The motherboard 330 can include a processor and a memory. The processor can be a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other suitable processor. The memory can be a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, hard disk, secure digital (SD) memory or any other suitable memory or combination of memories.

The mobile computing device 300 can include a transceiver 332. The transceiver 332 can transmit and receive radio signals to allow the mobile device 300 to communicate with other devices over a network and/or directly with other devices. For example, the transceiver 332 can include an 802.1x radio for communicating over a local area network (LAN). The transceiver 332 can include a personal area network (PAN) radio, such as a Bluetooth®radio, for communicating with a wireless short-range device, such as a Bluetooth® headset.

The mobile computing device 300 includes a trigger switch 334. The trigger switch 334 is disposed at least partially within the handle portion 306 of the housing 302. The trigger switch 334 can be depressed by a finger of a hand gripping the handle portion 306. In one embodiment, depressing the trigger switch 334 can activate the data acquisition device 312.

The trigger switch 334 can activate a single function of the mobile device 300, such as a data capture function. Alternatively, the trigger switch 334 can be a bifurcated switch having a top switch and a bottom switch. The top switch can activate a first function of the device 300 and the bottom switch can activate a second function of the device 300. For example, the top switch can activate a data capture function and the bottom switch can activate a push-to-talk capture function of the device 300. In practice, any suitable function of the device 300 can be programmed for actuation by the trigger switch 334.

The mobile computing device 300 can also include a battery 336. In one embodiment, the battery 336 can be positioned, at least partially, in a recess in the handle portion 306. The battery 336 can user removable or inaccessible to the user. In one example embodiment, the battery 336 can be removed through a bottom opening in the handle portion 306.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view 400 of a user 402 utilizing a mobile device 404 according to one embodiment. The user 402 grips a handle 406 of the mobile device 404 with a hand 408. The user 402 points a data acquisition device 410 of the mobile device 404 towards a target 412. In one embodiment, the target 412 can include a barcode symbol 414. Any suitable barcode symbol can be used, such as one-dimensional or two-dimensional, for example. The target 412 could also include an RFID tag (not shown).

In one embodiment, the data acquisition device 410 of the mobile device 404 includes a laser scanning device that projects a scanning beam 416 for scanning the barcode symbol 414. The mobile device 404 can also include a camera having a field of view 418 that at partially overlaps the scanning beam 416. The camera can include a video capture mode that can capture live video of objects in the field of view of the camera. The live video can be displayed on a display 420 of the mobile device 404.

In one embodiment, the user 402 can view the target 412 having the barcode symbol 414 both on the display 420 and with the naked eye, simultaneously. This permits the user 402 to quickly ascertain the location of the target 412 while also viewing any instructions or information displayed on the display 420.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has”, “having,” “includes”, “including,” “contains”, “containing” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises . . . a”, “has . . . a”, “includes . . . a”, “contains . . . a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially”, “essentially”, “approximately”, “about” or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to be within 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodiment within 1% and in another embodiment within 0.5%. A device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and apparatus described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Both the state machine and ASIC are considered herein as a “processing device” for purposes of the foregoing discussion and claim language.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readable storage element or medium having computer readable code stored thereon for programming a computer (e.g., comprising a processing device) to perform a method as described and claimed herein. Examples of such computer-readable storage elements include, but are not limited to, a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flash memory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology, and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein will be readily capable of generating such software instructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

While at least one example embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the example embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.

In addition, the section headings included herein are intended to facilitate a review but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

a) the word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim;

b) the word “a” or “an” preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements;

c) any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope;

d) several “means” may be represented by the same item or hardware or software implemented structure or function;

e) any of the disclosed elements may be comprised of hardware portions (e.g., including discrete and integrated electronic circuitry), software portions (e.g., computer programming), and any combination thereof;

f) hardware portions may be comprised of one or both of analog and digital portions;

g) any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise; and

h) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile device comprising: a handle portion of a housing having a longitudinal axis, the handle portion configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand, a trigger switch positioned on the handle portion and configured to activate a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed; and a top portion of the housing coupled to the handle portion for accommodating a display device and a data acquisition device, a planar surface of the display device being oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, and the acquisition device being disposed on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.
 2. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the first angle is about ten degrees.
 3. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the second angle is about one-hundred and twelve degrees.
 4. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition device comprises an imaging device.
 5. The mobile device of claim 4, wherein the display is configured to display images from the imaging device.
 6. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition device comprises a laser scanning device.
 7. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition device comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module.
 8. The mobile device of claim 1 further comprising a camera positioned adjacent to the data acquisition device such that a field of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the field of view of the data acquisition device.
 9. The mobile device of claim 1 wherein the trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user.
 10. The mobile device of claim 1 further comprising a battery positioned in a recess in the handle portion.
 11. An mobile device comprising: a housing comprising a handle portion having a longitudinal axis, the handle portion configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand; a trigger switch positioned on the handle portion for activating a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed, the trigger switch being accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user; a display device disposed at least partially within the housing such that a planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, the display device being viewable to the user when the fingers grip the handle portion of the device; and a data acquisition device located on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, the data acquisition device configured to capture product information from an object positioned in the field of view of the data capture device when the trigger switch is depressed.
 12. The mobile device of claim 11, wherein the first angle is about ten degrees.
 13. The mobile device of claim 11, wherein the second angle is about one-hundred and twelve degrees.
 14. The mobile device of claim 11, wherein the data acquisition device comprises an imaging device.
 15. The mobile device of claim 14, wherein the display is configured to display images from the imaging device.
 16. The mobile device of claim 11, wherein the data acquisition device comprises a laser scanning device.
 17. The mobile device of claim 11, wherein the data acquisition device comprises a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module.
 18. The mobile device of claim 11 further comprising a camera positioned adjacent to the data acquisition device such that a field of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the field of view of the data acquisition device.
 19. The mobile device of claim 11 wherein the trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user.
 20. A mobile device, comprising: a housing comprising a handle portion having a longitudinal axis, the handle portion configured for gripping the mobile device with fingers of a user's hand; a trigger switch positioned on the handle portion for activating a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed, the trigger switch being accessible to an index finger of the hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user; a display device disposed at least partially within the housing such that a planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, the display device being viewable to the user when the fingers grip the handle portion of the device; an imaging device coupled to the housing and located on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the imaging device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion, the imaging device configured to capture product information from an object positioned in the field of view of the data capture device when the trigger switch is depressed; and a camera coupled to the housing and located adjacent to the imaging device such that a field of view of the camera at least partially overlaps the field of view of the imaging device. 